Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Luis Chavez | Capt. Guy Jackson, Exercise Director of Cutlass Express 2013, speaks to maritime...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luis R. Chàvez Jr, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe
VICTORIA, Seychelles - Lt. j.g. Guy Jackson Jr. never knew his time serving in the Navy during World War II might inspire another sailor to join the service. That sailor is Capt. Guy Jackson, who on Veterans Day 2013, is serving as the exercise director of Cutlass Express 2013, a multinational exercise that is designed to improve interoperability and maritime domain awareness in the waters off eastern Africa.
“Today is an important day for our great country, and I get to experience it serving my nation in a foreign country while wearing my uniform; it’s a great honor,” said Jackson.
As a U.S. Navy captain in the Navy Reserves, Jackson has been able to celebrate Veterans Day as a veteran for 26 years. A 1987 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, he is a Naval flight officer who has flown the P3 Orion and has been a part of three squadrons. He is now the chief staff officer of U.S. Navy Reserve Detachment 802. He was born in Marietta, Ga., but now resides in Fleming Island, Fla.
“When I was a young man, my grandfather would tell me stories about some of his experiences in the Navy, and it was very positive for that point in my life,” said Jackson. “He also gave me his Bluejacket’s Manual with his name stamped on it from the year 1943.”
Jackson’s grandfather, Lt. j.g. Guy Jackson Jr., served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) during World War II and was attached to a Landing Ship, Tank (LST) working in the European theater of operations.
He is one of millions of veterans who has served our nation, and is honored today.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, celebrated throughout the country, to pay tribute to all who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation. It was first celebrated in 1919 as Armistice Day as a way to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I. In 1954, it evolved into Veterans Day in order to honor all American veterans from all wars.
“Veterans Day is about service to our country and service to its people. It is a very special day for me,” said Jackson. “We [veterans] are all very fortunate to have worn this uniform. It’s an honor and privilege that some will not be fortunate to experience.”
Most veterans have parades in their honor and are able to spend time with family and friends on Veterans Day. As for Jackson, he is working alongside participants from many nations during Cutlass Express 2013 in order to improve maritime safety and security throughout the waters of Eastern Africa.
When reflecting on his grandfather’s service, Jackson said, “I think he would be very proud that his grandson is serving overseas. He would be proud of what we, as a Navy are doing, not just me Guy Jackson, but we as a Navy.”
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.11.2013 14:06 |
| Story ID: | 116552 |
| Location: | VICTORIA, SC |
| Hometown: | MARIETTA, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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